Plant Breeding – Master of Science

Massey University

New Zealand, Palmerston North

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240

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Massey University

New Zealand , Palmerston North

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesMay-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

NZD 43,490 / year

Next Intake May-2026

Plant Breeding – Master of Science

About

Specialise in Plant Breeding for your Master of Science at Massey

When you study the Master of Science (Plant Breeding) at Massey University you will become a member of a significant international scientific community responsible for global food security.

This plant breeding major is unique in New Zealand. You will gain expertise in:

quantitative genetics & applied plant breeding methods
multisite experimental design
data analysis & interpretation
application of new molecular marker technologies in plant breeding
related disciplines such as agronomy, plant protection, plant physiology.

Take advantage of our globally renowned expertise

This qualification takes a multi-disciplinary and team approach to plant breeding.

You will be taught by highly skilled, internationally recognised and active researchers with expertise in areas like quantitative genetics, molecular biology, applied plant breeding, taxonomy and plant physiology. You’ll take part in applied field programs and learn from practising scientists and experienced field breeders.

World-class equipment and facilities

As a plant breeding student, you will have access to Massey’s world-leading equipment and facilities such as our extensive glasshouses and farms, molecular genetic labs, the Dame Ella Campbell Herbarium, the Palynology Laboratory, Plant Growth Unit, Seed Testing Services, Massey Genome Service and the Manawatu Microscopy and Imaging Centre.

Relevant and topical

You’ll gain real-world experience by working with organisations and academic staff actively engaged in plant breeding research. Physically located near Massey’s Manawatū campus, organisations such as AgResearch Grasslands Research Centre, Plant & Food and SCION often co-supervise MSc and PhD students.

You’ll emerge with a relevant qualification valued by potential employers.

Complete in two years

Massey University’s Master of Science is primarily a 240 credit master qualification. This is made up of 120 credits of taught courses and a 120 credit research project.

Or if you have already completed the BSc (Hons) or PGDipSc you can conduct a 120 credit thesis to achieve your master's qualification.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

To enter the Master of Science (Plant Breeding) you will have been awarded or qualified for:

the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in the intended postgraduate subject, or equivalent, with a minimum B average in the majoring 300-level courses, or
the Bachelor of Science with Honours, in the intended MSc subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course, or
the Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology in the intended MSc subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course, or
the Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology in the intended MSc subject, having achieved a B grade average over the contributing courses and a B grade in an approved research methods course.

If you have a Bachelor of Science (Honours), Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology, or Postgraduate Certificate in Science and Technology from Massey University as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.

You must submit an approved research supervision plan with your application. This means you need to secure the agreement of a suitable supervisor for your agreed research topic.

You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Massey University English language requirements

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

English Program Requirements

English Evidence Academic IELTS^: 6.5 overall and minimum 6.0 in each band

English Evidence TOEFL iBT: Overall score 90, minimum 20 in Writing

English Evidence Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58 overall and minimum 50 in each communicative skills

Career

You will gain the skills to work as a commercial applied plant breeder, work as a research scientist, continue into a PhD or work as an agricultural advisor.

Highly sought after

Globally there is a shortage of plant breeders, so you will be in demand.

Earn more

A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, "The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates", found that in New Zealand:

young master’s graduates earn more than 1.5 times more than the national median (5 years after study)
earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
five years after completion, the median earnings of young master’s graduates are 15% higher than for those with a bachelor’s degree.